Means and apparatus for removing and preventing scale incrustations



1930. G. s. NEELEY I 1,773,275

MEANS AND APPARATUS FOR REMOVING AND PREVENTING SCALE INCRUSTATIONS Filed April 19, 1926 5 Sheets-Shea: 1

27 5 AAAA Ida E0079)? 6&0/76 5. Nee/e Hrrys Aug. 19, 1930. V G. s. NEELEY 1,773,275

MEANS AND APPARATUS FOR REMOVING AND PREVENTING SCAILE INCRUSTATIONS Filed April 19, 1926 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 I/h ENPER 6e0/ye 5/34? (9/6 Aug. 19, 1930.

G. S. NEELEY MEANS AND APPARATUS FOR REMOVING AND PREVENTING SCALE INCRUSTATIONS Filed April 19, 1926 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOJ? Aug. 19, 1930. G. s. NEELEY 1,773,275

MEANS AND APPARATUS FOR REMOVING AND PREVENTING SCALE INCRUSTATIONS Filed April 19, 1926 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 Fri 2 5N761 Geo/ ye 5 Nee/e 1 Wze M M Aug. 19, 1930. G s. NEELEY 1,773,275

ME ANS AND APPARATUS FOR REMOVING AND PREVENTING SCALE INCRUSTATIONS Filed April 19, 1926 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 i/w z/vra Geo/ye 5. Wee/e Patented Aug. 19,

UNITED STATES PATENT OFF-ICE GEORGE SPENCER KEELEY, OF HARTFORD, ILLINOIS, ABSIGNOR OI ONE-HAL! '10 GRIFFIN WATKINS, O]? ALTON, ILLINOIS xamsann arraaar-us roa amovme AND raavun'rme scans meausra'rrons Application filed April 19,

tion in boilers and similar structures, and I have disclosed a novel method and means for counteracting and nullifying these scale forming activities and for removing scale incrustations that have already been formed.

It is therefore deemed not necessary in the present application to repeat this explanation and it is thought that a brief statement current which is 'pulsating will suflice.

It should be added here, however, that it is now known that there is developed a well defined rectifyingpropensity by any bo1l-;

er, when alternating currents are made use of as a counteracting agency. The theory advanced forthis phenomenon is here given for What it is worth and not as adogmaticassertion that is wholly scientifically correct.

All boilers when in operation generate on their own account a definite. direct current which is due to the combination of metals in the boiler, the chemicals in the water content, and the application of heat. This thermo-electrically generated current, of course, is unidirectional at all times. In the case of the alternating current, a periodic reversal of the direction of current flow takes place naturally and according to the frequency of the current used. It is obvious then that when an alternating current is made to flow the unidirectional thermo-current of the boiler, the inevitable result is that by reason of the combination of the characteristics of the alternating current, there is a resultant in character, and sets up a more violent electro-inagnetic agitation of the scale matter coming mto the boiler with the feed-water supply than could otherwise be done with the use of direct current alone, as. the medium of counteracting the electro-magneticf effects of the thermoelectrically generated current of the boiler.

I admission of fresh feed water. through the same plane or area, as that of 1926. Serial No. 103,079.

Instruments inserted in the circuits during.

normal operating conditions of the boiler, to which my method is applied, indicate that the rectifying effects of the alternating current used may be brought about by any one or all of a number of reasons, to-wit, the phenomenon of rectification may be due wholly to the presence of the unidirectional thermo-electrically generated current in the-boiler, which effectually stops or minimizes onehalf of the alternating current wave form whenever or during'the instant of the cycle of this A. C. wave is in opposition to the flow of the unidirectional, or thermo-current, or,

the phenomenon may be due to an electrolytic 5 or condenser effect of the water and metallic content of the boiler. The manner in which i the wrecking effect on the scale matter is brought about is accomplished by combining the natural characteristics of'both D. C. and A. C. These explanations are offered as possible reasons for the phenomenon of rectification and the resultant pulsating current.

. The formation of scale is the result of electro-chemical action produced during the operation of the boiler by the action of a local self-generated thermoelectric current which causes the scale particles contained in the water to be deposited or plated on metallic surfaces of the boiler plates or tubes.

This self-generated or local electric current is active so long as the boiler or container is in operation (or is subjected to differential temperatures) and new scale'matter is constantly introduced thereinto by the It is obvious that the plating or depositing of the scale on the metallic surface" will'go on continuously unless the action of this self-generated current is counteracted, or nullified, or changed into pulsating current, or the fresh feed water treated electrolytically, or electro-magnetically, or both, so as to destroy the attractive force of the selfgenerated current to plate or deposit scale matteronto the surfaces of the boiler or container. In thepresentinvention this is accomplished by subjec fresh-feed water to the effects of an y supplied electric current, either by bringing the feed water into contact with electrically charged surfaces of a distributing element or by causing it to traverse an electro-magnetic field by the combination of both; In this manner, normal atomic arrangement of the fresh'feed water is disturbed and the electro-chemical propensities'of the scale matter contained in solution therein are neutralized by demagnetization and the self-generated local current of the boiler is rendered ineffective 'to continue its scaling activities. In addition this local current may be counteracted by passing an externally supplied electric current throu h the container and water content thereo either by means of an independent current or by connecting said container in series with the feed water energizing circuit.

It is also the object of the present invention to provide an improved form of distributor in the boiler to more effectively distribute the externally supplied electric current through the water content of the boiler whereby all of the water contained therein is subjected to the effects of such externally supplied electric current and eflicient circulation thereof through the boiler structure or through the water, or both, is thus assured. v

Further objects of the invention are to provide an improved 'form of a distributor which is highly efiicient in operation and of simple construction so that it may be readily assembled and placed in position.

Other objects of the invention are to provide a novel method of treating the feed water electrically before its admission to the boiler, whereby the deposit of the scale matter, contained in the water, onto the metallic surfaces of the boiler is stopped and said scale matter is precipitated in loose form in the boiler or in a separator or precipitating chamber located externally of the boiler so that such precipitated scale matter may be easily removed. .The treatmentof fresh feed water before its admission to the boiler is particularly desirable in cases where it is impractical orundesirable on account of the size or particular construction of the boiler to locate the distributor within said boiler. However, this method of treating the fresh feed water before it is discharged into the boiler may be used in correlation withthe distributors within=the boiler if so desired.

Still other objects of the invention'are to provide a separator in the feed pipe connection and electrical means for treating the water traversing said separator,'whereby the scale matter contained in the water is precipitated in said so arator and prevented from entering the boiler. This separator being soconstructed that the precipitated scale matter ma be readily removed j from-"'"the separator t rough suitable connections."

Additional objects of the invention are to provide a plurality of electrodes or distributors arranged in the locomotive boiler and the feed water pipe connection thereof, respectively, and to provide electric circuits for said distributors, said circuits being controlled by the injector so as to open and close said circuits in a predetermined relation with the operation of said injector.

With these and other objects in view, my invention consists in certain novel features of construction and arrangement of parts, hereinafter more fully described and claimed, and illustrated in the accompanying drawin s, in which igure 1 is a longitudinal cross section through a conventional type of boiler containing the distributor of my improved form and showing diagrammatically a circuit for sup lying current thereto.

igure 2 is a transverse section line 2-2 of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a longitudinal cross section through the boiler showing amodified form of my invention.

Figure 4 is a similar view showing another modified form of my invention.

Figure 5 is a longitudinal cross section through a fresh feed water section'illustrating the method of treating fresh water electromagnetically.

Figure 6 is a similar cross section showing a distributor arranged in said feed pipe section for treating the water electrolytically.

Figure 7 is a longitudinal cross section through the discharge end of the feed pipe section located in the boiler.

Figure 8 is a vertical transverse section taken on line 88 .of Figure 7.

Figure 9 is a perspective detail view of one of the insulators used to insulate the distributor from the discharge end of the feed pipe.

Figure 10 is a diagrammatic view showin my improved method for treatin the fres feed water electromagnetically be ore the admission to the boiler. p

Figure 11 is a similar view showin the fresh feed watertreated both electrolytically and electromagnetically independently of the boiler. v

Figure 12 is a vertical section of the separator or scale precipitating member.

Figure 13 is a diagrammatic view showing my invention appliedto a locomotiveboiler.

taken on mechanism showing switch means for controlling the circuits of the distributors of the boiler and the fresh water feed pipe.

Referring. by numerals to the accompany- .ing drawings and more particularly to Fig- 1% ures'l to 12, inclusive, 10 indicates anapparatus or metallic containerequipped with my invention,,said a paratus being in the present .instance in the orm of. a drum-11 shown in Figures 1 and 2 provided with headers 12, m

Figure" 14 is adetail view of the injector tubes 13, and blow-out pipes 14. i The water is supplied to the boiler by'a feed pipe connection 15,.the discharge end 16 of which terminates in the boiler a suitable distance above the bottbm thereof and is provided with a T-connection 17 The oppositely disposed ends of this connection have secured thereto short tubular sections or nipples 18 on which are mounted" reduced ends 19 of distributor supports 20 carrying distributors 21.

Each distributor'2l is connected by a connection 22' to a plug 24 which is mounted in the shell of the drum 11 and is insulated therei from}. lug 24 eitends outwardl through the coil 26, and distributors 21. The latter bemg arranged in the discharge passageways of the feed pipe connection 15, the fresh water before-being discharged into the boiler comes in contact with distributors 21 and thereby completes the circuit of the, primary coil 26 and at the same time is subjected toelectro lytic treatment causing the scale matter contained in the fresh feed water-to be precipitated in the bottom of the boiler so that the water content of the boiler is free from scale matter.

In the form shownin Figures 1 and 2, the

secondary coil 26 has one terminal connected by a connection29 to the metal shell of the boiler asindicated at 30,'and the other terminal of secondary coil 26 is connected by a connection 31 to a comparatively cool portion of the boiler, namely, blow-out pipe 14, as indicated at 32. In this manner, electrical circuit is established between the secondary coil 26 and the metallic parts of the apparatus, thereby keeping the metallic surfaces coming in contact with the water charged with an electric current of compara tively large volume, thereby preventing pitting of thenietallic surfaces and counteracting the scale tendencies of the natural or self-generated current produced b the operating conditions of the boiler. T us a twofold rotection is afforded to the apparatus,

. I first, y treating the feed water, as it is being fed in comparatively small quantities to the boiler and efore it is'discharged thereinto, by an electric current of relatively high pres- A sure which affects the scale matter contained in the waterv and causes it to be separated from the water and preci itated in loose form in the bottom of the oiler, and, sec-. 0nd, by an electric current of large volume and low pressure with which the metallic surfaces of the apparatus coming in contact are connected in circuit with the secondary coil of the transformer and the fresh feed water is subjected to the effects of an electric current if large volume and low pressure. The metallic portions of the boilers are not connected with the supply lines and only the fresh feed water is subjectedto the electrical treatment.

In the form shown in Figure 4., feed water pipe section 15 is rovided with an enlarged portion 37 which orms a core for an electromagnet or solenoid 38. One terminal of this electro-magnet is connected by a connection 39 to one of the plugs 24 and the other terminal of said electro-magnet is connected by a connection 40 to one of the terminals of a secondary coil 35 of transformer T, while the other terminal of said coil is connected by a connection 41 to the other plug 24. Thus the electro-r'nagnet 38 is placed in series with the distributors 21 and the fresh feed water in passing through pipe connection 15 passes through the hollow core 37 and is acted upon magnetically by the electro-magnetic force of the electric current before coming in contact with distributors 21 in the boiler 11. The magnetic force created by coil 38 affects the scale matter contained in the fresh water and causes the minute particles of the scale matter to coagulate and be preci itated either in the hollow core 37 or in the l ioiler 11. upon discharge of the feed water in said boiler.

By this method the separation ofthe scale matter from the water is facilitated and is rendered more positive without increasing appreciably the installation or operating costs thereof.

This magnetic separator is shown in detail in Figure 5 and consists of reducers 42 which are secured to the respective sections of feed pipe 15 and have connected thereto a' tubular member 43 which is of'comparatively large diameter and forms a precipitating chamber and the hollow core ofielec tro-magnet 38. Coils 38 are preferably in: sulated from member 43 by an insulating sleeve44. I

The fresh feed water discharge member 21) v is shown in detail in Figures 7 and 8 and consists of a semi-c lindrical or trou h extension 20 havin aterally presentetfhori- .zontally disposed anges or ears 20". A semicylindrical cover 45 fits over trough extension and is provided with horizontally disposed flan es-46 adapted to be arran d ad acent to anges 20?. Suitable fastenin devices such as bolts 47 and nuts 48 are/use to engage flanges 46 and 20" and secure member 45 in sition on the trough extension 20". The istributor 21, which is preferably tubular in cross section, is removably mounted in position therein by means of insulating blocks 49 which are arranged in seats 50 formed in members 45 and 20' and space and insulate distributor 21'from said members.

1 Each distributor is provided with a pair of pins 51 which extend diametrically through said distributor and have their ends projecting therefrom and entering bores 52 formed little resistance to the discharge water therethrough;

' In order to provide for. thorou h electro-,-

in blocks 49, whereby the distributor 21 is held against movement relative to said blocks, while the latter are locked against accidental displacement by seats 50.

In this manner a construction is rovided which is inexpensive and which can easily "assembled and disassembled to permit -removal and replacement of distributor 21. At the same time each distributor is. efiiciently insulated from members 20 and offers ver 'of fres megnetic treatment of the fresh eed water an permit eflicient separation of the scale matter from saidwater, a form of separator a or precipitating member such as shown at member'54thr6u form the member 54 whic v fee upper end wit inlet port 55fand outlet port ber 54 and 54 in Figures 10 to 12 ma be used. In this is of cylindrical sha eis. disposed vertically between the two water pi 15 and is provided in its 56 for receiving the respective sections of feed water pipe connection 15, Depending wallof the member 54 is a tween the inletand outlet orts and terminatesr a suitable distance a vs the bottom 54 The latter is preferably concave in cross section to form a sediment chamber for receiving the precipitated scale matter, and leading from the lowermost portionof said bottom wall is a blow-out pipe 58 controlled by a valve 59 whereby the scale matter may be discharged from member 54 through said pipe connection'58'r1 A coil38t is arranged egteriorly on memproduces the magnetic field through which the fresh feed water is caused to travel. fThe-feed water upon being ad- .flecte'd downwardly by partition wall'57 into now the lowerportion of member 54 and is then caused to' travel;- upwardly toward the outlet port 56. In this manner, 'the water is placed under the ma'gnetic influence for a' suitable length of time and the scale matter precipifetic force is 'togra'v'itateto the 'tto'nr'of the,

the action of the m' type, there are as a .natural con h port 55 is deseparator and is collected a suitable distance below the outlet port 56 so as to prevent it from entering said outlet port. The precipitated scale matter may be readily removed I from the separator 54 through pipe connection 58 by opening valve 59, whereby the pressure from the boiler and the feed pump will combine to wash out the contents of the separator through ipe' 58.

If desired, the resh feed water may be.

treated electrolytically before being admitted .to separator 54 for magnetic treatment by of wire connection 64 is secured to one of the supporting plugs 62 and the other terminal of said connection is connected to one of the supply lines 27. The section 61 has connected thereto one of the terminals of' wire connection 65 and the opposite end is connected .to the other. end of supply lines-27 so that the circuit is completed by thewater contained in section 61 and contacting with said section and With the distributor 60.

' If desired, electro-magnet 54 may be energized byconnection 65 as shown in Figure 11. B this arrangement the fresh feed water is" ,rst subjected to electrolytic treatment was to act on the scalematter contained in the water and the water is then subjected to electromagnetict-reatment to complete the precipitation of the scale matter. By this arrangement, the fresh feed water matreated to remove scale matter there rom before its admission to the boiler whereby it may be unnecessar to'further trat the water in the boiler. uch arrangement ma be particularly desirable in constructions w ere it is not convenient to place the distributors in the boiler. V v

In the treatment of fresh feed water for locomotive boilers, the fresh feed water may be treated alternately with the waterin the boiler as shown diagrammatically in Figure 13. Owing to the practice of pumpingthe feed water intothe locomotive boiler lntermittently by a pumping device of the injector uence periods of-time when'the injector 66-.1s' not working and consequentlyfresh feed water I is not being fed to' the boiler. In'order to provide for this, a suitable two-way switch 6? .isoperable in conjunction with'the inje'ctor 66 to control in correlation with said injector a circuit 68 of a distributor69 arranged in locomotive boilbr 70 and a circuit 71 of a distributor 72 which latter isarranged in an enlarged section 73 of feed water 74, which latter furnishes the fresh f watertoboilen-W', andis controlled by injector 66. Circuit68 is connected to a stationary contact 75 and circuit 71 is connected to a stationary contact 76 by a switch 67. These contacts are adapted to be engaged by a blade 77 whichis fixed to and insulated tromdever 66 ofinjector 66 and is connected by a connection 78 to, one pole of an electric generator 79, the opposite pole of which is connected by connection 80 to the shell of boiler 70. Plate 77 is operable by.

operating handle 66 to engage contact 76 and complete the circuit of distributor 72,

when injector 66 is operated to feed fresh water through pipe connection 74: to boiler 70 so that distributor 72 is energized and the fresh feed water is subjected to electrolytic or electro-magnetic treatment or both.

When injector handle 66' is actuated to stop the flow of fresh water, blade 77 is disengaged from contact 76 and is brought into engagement with contact 75 whereby the circuit of distributor 69 is completed toene'rgize the latter and treat the water contained in the boiler.

Erom this 'it will be seen that during the period of operation of the injector, the switch 67 is set to divert the electrical current of the generator 79 to the treatment of the feed water by energizing distributor 72 and during the periods of time when the injector 66 is inactive and not pumping feed water into the boiler 7 0. Switch 67 is operated to divert the electrical current of the generator 79 to. the exclusive treatment of the water content of the boiler by means of energizing distributor 69 which is arranged in boiler 7 0.

Either direct or alternating current may causes said scale matter to settle in the lower end of the separator, thereby preventing said scale matter from entering the container or boiler. The separator is so constructed that the accumulated scale matter may be readily discharged therefrom without the necessity of stopping the operation of the boiler. The

- advantages of such arrangement are ofgreat value in the practical operation o f boilersand will be rea ily apparent to anybody convarious combinations with various forms of boilers, evaporators, condensers, and other containers, and that various changes may be made iirthe construction and arran ement of parts of m apparatus without eparting from the splrit of my invention.

I claim:

1, In an apparatus for preventing scale incrustation in boilers and the like, the combination with a boiler and a pipe'connection for supplying feed water thereto, of a source of alternating current supply, a'distributor section disposed in the open end of said feed water pipe connection and insulated therefrom, and electricalconnections for connecting said source of alternating current supply -.with said distributor and the water passing therethrough.

2. In an apparatus of the class described, the combination with a boiler, of a feed water pipe having two spaced outlets disposed therein, a distributor arranged adjacent to and insulated from each outlet, and an external electric circuit having its terminals connected to the respective distributors, whereby the feed water discharged from said outlets completes said circuit and is thereby subjected to the electrolytic action of the electric current;

3. In an apparatus of the class described,

the combination with a boiler, of afeed water pipe terminating within said boiler in a pair of spaced outlets, a distributor secured within and insulated from each outlet, a source oi alternating electric energy, and an electric circuit having its terminals connected to the respective distributors and insulated from said boiler and said feed water pipe, whereby the water discharged from said outlet completes said circuit and is thereby subjected to the action of an alternating current.

4. In an apparatus of the class described, the combination with a boiler and a feed water supply pipe therefor, of a discharge end disposed within said boiler and secured to said feed waterpipe and provided with a pair of spaced outlets, a tubular distributor arranged in each outlet inspaced insulated relation therewith, and an external electric circuit having its terminals connected to the respective distributors and insulated from said feed water pipe and said boiler, whereby said circuit is completed by the waterdischarged through said outlets and causes said water to be subjected to electrolytic action.

In testimony whereof I hereunto aff x my signature this 12th day of April, 1926.

- GEORGE SPENCER NEELEY.

versant with the present practice of power.

stations and other plants.

While I have shown and described the proferre'd embodiment of my invention, it is obvious that my invention may be used in 

